When I was in college, I somehow heard about a miniseries called Prime Suspect that was running on PBS. Since PBS wasn’t really in my regular viewing rotation since it was not in fact the home of NBC’s Must-See TV, I’m not at all sure what compelled me to watch. However, it only took about fifteen minutes of seeing Helen Mirren play Jane Tennison before I was completely hooked. I developed a full-on fascination with British mysteries, and I consumed them in whatever form I could find them: movies, books, or TV. I’ve never figured out why our neighbors on the other side of the Atlantic are so skilled with the puzzle pieces of a mystery, but I learned early on that when it comes to intrigue, they’re top-notch.

So a few years ago, when my husband asked if I’d be interested in watching the BBC’s newest incarnation of Sherlock Holmes, I should have said yes. Based on my personal history with British mysteries, I should have known what a treat Sherlock – starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson – would be. But since the US premiere happened to be smack-dab in the middle of a really hectic time, I shrugged off Sherlock and told myself that it probably wasn’t all that special anyway. If you’ve seen one version of Sherlock Holmes, you’ve seen them all, I rationalized. I bet I’m not missing a thing.

Oh, y’all. I couldn’t possibly have been more wrong.

Because after spending the better part of this past week catching up on Sherlock, I’ve decided that it ranks way up there with my favorite TV shows of all-time. I realize that I’m giving Sherlock some mighty high praise, especially since I’m putting it in the company of Friday Night Lights, Mad Men, and Friends, to name a few. But the high praise is totally merited – because Sherlock is absolutely brilliant. It’s smart, it’s witty, it’s superbly acted – and somehow it manages to remind me of Batman, James Bond movies, and Mission Impossible while still maintaining its undeniable originality. Sherlock is modern and classic, inventive and conventional, serious and hilarious. It’s like nothing else on television right now.

And it’s wonderful.

Here are a few reasons why I think it works.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

MANY, MANY SPOILERS.

REMEMBER: SPOILERS RUIN A GOOD MYSTERY.

BEWARE OF ALL THE SPOILERS.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

HAVE I MENTIONED THERE ARE SPOILERS AHEAD?

HERE WE GO.

1. The music and the graphics – Okay. This first point probably wasn’t what you were expecting. But the music sets the tone for the show in the most beautiful way – right down to Sherlock’s violin playing – and while I am normally iffy about graphics flying across a screen, the graphics add a super-modern element to Sherlock. Since texting is the world’s favorite form of communication these days, it makes sense that we’d need to see the texts that pass back and forth between characters, but texts don’t flow into a narrative with quite the same ease as phone calls. Sherlock, however, seamlessly weaves the texts into the storyline, and in the case of the Irene Adler episode in season two, those texts provide a mighty satisfying ending. So clever. I also get such a kick out of seeing Sherlock’s mental map at work, and those mental maps are a fun way to learn details that would totally bog down dialogue.

2. The role of media – John’s a blogger. Sherlock has a website. And it’s interesting to see how social media gets incorporated into the plotlines. The show is first and foremost a mystery – absolutely – but it’s also an examination of the power of media. Sherlock is widely regarded as a hero, and he receives all manner of public praise. But when Moriarty, the show’s big bad villain, really wants to hurt Sherlock, he goes after him in the newspapers. It raises some interesting questions about reputation, about audience, about what’s true and what’s not. What’s worse – a friend being threatened by a hired assassin? Or being personally disgraced in the media-driven court of public opinion? Sherlock has to wrestle with those very questions, and it’s riveting to watch him arrive at his answers.

3. The dialogue – So here’s a confession: I watch Sherlock with subtitles turned on. The subtitles make the accents a little easier to decipher, but more than anything they help me keep up with the rapid-fire dialogue. So, for example, when Sherlock Holmes launches into an assessment of his surroundings / a person’s clothing / a crime scene, the subtitles ensure that I don’t miss a single detail. But even with the subtitles turned off, it’s evident that the scripts are thoughtfully written (like Friday Night Lights, it’s easy to forget that you’re listening to characters, not real-life people), and the dialogue forces viewers to pay attention, encourages them to make deductive leaps with the characters, and ensures that they get to know the characters. It’s good stuff.

4. The supporting cast – They’re an eclectic bunch, and oh, they are enjoyable – from Detective Lestrade, who’s always a step or five behind Sherlock, to Mrs. Hudson, the landlady who provides some much-needed mothering, to Mycroft, Sherlock’s over-protective (but distant) brother who’s a high-ranking official in the British government. Sherlock’s and Dr. Watson’s relationships with those supporting characters offer all sorts of insights into their personalities (especially the Sherlock / Mycroft dynamic). And then, of course, there’s Moriarty, who is Sherlock’s perfect foil. I think my favorite scene to date is when Moriarty visits Sherlock’s flat and they try to outwit each other over a cup of tea. As Moriarty says, “Every fairy tale needs a good, old-fashioned villain” – and he has certainly been that (notice that I don’t use the past tense about Moriarty; I’m still not entirely convinced that we know all the details of what happened on the St. Bart’s rooftop).

5. Sherlock & Dr. Watson – It occurred to me early in the series that Sherlock and John Watson are a little bit like a British version of The Odd Couple. Their friendship is unlikely (and heaven knows that it’s occasionally misunderstood, a fact that’s a source of amusement and frustration to John). But over time, they’ve developed a genuine loyalty to each other, and there’s something really touching about watching two friends who are truly for each other (I cried like a baby at the end of season 2). In many ways John is more of a brother to Sherlock than Mycroft will ever be, and it’s interesting to watch Sherlock try to balance his very innate selfishness with his seemingly newfound awareness of what it means to be someone’s friend. There’s no doubt that Sherlock and Dr. Watson are endearing and hilarious when they’re together, but they actually serve a much bigger purpose in each other’s lives: Sherlock gives John opportunities to be brave, and John helps Sherlock to be human. In the midst of all the murder and kidnapping and espionage, their relationship provides the show with an emotional core – and in my opinion, that’s the biggest part of what makes Sherlock so special.

251 Comments and 41 Replies

201

Trish On Sunday, January 26 at 12:14 am

Have watched this show from the beginning, thanks to our son! I too was quite skeptical about “another Sherlock,” but Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are amazing and this version is what I will always think of as the real Sherlock.

My fascination with British shows started with Inspector Lewis and progressed from there…Netflix is my all time obsession because it carries so many of the British shows….

203

sandy j On Sunday, January 26 at 6:46 am

Oh my YES! Since day one I’ve been hooked and the first episode of this season has not
failed. More to come!

204

Denise in VA On Sunday, January 26 at 9:00 am

I am right with you on this! I too had shrugged off this version of Sherlock. I had seen every one of the Jeremy Brett PBS Sherlock series, and had read most of the A.C. Doyle oeuvre.
However, I finished the first two seasons on Hulu just in time for this season…

IT”S GREAT!
Also (true confession time) I thought Benedict C was funny-looking….but after two seasons, he seems quite handsome now.

My background on my computer screen is a screenshot of Sherlock proposing. I could not be more obsessed.

While I have a soft spot for Benedict Cumberbatch, I also very much love Martin Freeman’s acting. When he is sad it just cuts straight through to my heart. Love both of them! Molly is amazing, too.

Sandy On Saturday, February 8 at 5:13 pm

I totally understand, Cumberbatch is that good of an actor. And he is different in each role he plays. I also saw him in the BBC series The Last Enemy, and the movies The Fifth Estate, Hawking, Star Trek from Darkness. And the BBC series Parade’s End. I watched these on Amazon Prime and on PBS and BBC using a ROKU video streamer.

We also loved Prime Suspects.. what wonderful actors!! You need to see Doc Martin, now on PBS… Love the British films.. Downton Abby.. oh my!!

207

Marci Farr On Sunday, January 26 at 10:16 am

Absolutely love Sherlock!

208

Courtney On Sunday, January 26 at 11:42 am

Oh my, I am totally Sherlocked! I just became a fan in November. That night I stumbled upon it on Netflix will go down as the best decision I ever made. I think my favorite episode is a tie between A scandal in Belgravia and The Hounds of Baskerville (Did we just break into a military facility to investigate a rabbit?-best line!) The scene at the beginning of season three is amazing. A fan girls dream. Anyone know what I mean? I don’t want to give spoilers away incase some haven’t seen it! I could go on and on here, but I’ll spare you all.

Sandy On Saturday, February 8 at 5:15 pm

A Scandal in Belgravia is my favorite too, the ending took me totally by surprise–pure Sherlock.

My favorite show!!! Martin and Benedict are GLORIOUS! The Season 3 finale is some of the best television I have ever watched – PERIOD.

210

Roberta L On Sunday, January 26 at 4:12 pm

I had heard raves about this show and finally watched the reruns of season 1 this past month, including the wild climax on the hospital roof. This show is a fascinating integration of the original stories and modern British mysteries. ( I might just have to reread the original stories!) I really like the character development and the fact that Sherlock sort of anti-social in some ways. This gives John something important to do , to make Sherlock more human and able to interact with others, sort of keep him grounded. I also enjoy the integration of media and technology with the plots. Very current and adds to the intrigue. So now on Sunday nights, I watch the repeat of Downton Abbe’s last episode, the new DA episode and then the new Sherlock episode for a dose of three hours of public TV. I guess I’d better write them a check soon!

211

KellyA On Sunday, January 26 at 7:50 pm

Absolutely a fan!!!

212

Laura S On Sunday, January 26 at 7:52 pm

Like you, I’m a late-comer to the show but I’ve purchased S1 & S2 and watched them several times; I’ve also converted my 17-yr old son, my niece, and her roommate with the offer: “Just give it 5 minutes, if you’re not hooked you can turn it off”. They didn’t turn it off. Now if I could just get my stubborn husband to watch it! Thanks for the article!

213

Drema King On Sunday, January 26 at 8:10 pm

I absolutely love everything about this series. Anxiously awaiting episode 2 of the new season. I have to DVR it because my AARP self can’t stay awake that late to watch it.

214

Connie Vorwald On Sunday, January 26 at 8:13 pm

I LOVE Sherlock! It has been misery waiting for it to come back on. Such a good show.

215

Cassie H On Monday, January 27 at 9:37 am

Love, love, love this series! My husband and I were hooked after finding it on Netflix. Best take on updated modern Sherlock- So happy that the series continued-we were so excited to finally see this year’s series coming to PBS. Superb!

216

Lisa On Monday, January 27 at 9:44 am

LOVE Sherlock! I read all the books, stories over 30 years ago and this update is so terrific! It has kinda replaced my Downton Abbey place in the must watch list.

217

Shelley On Monday, January 27 at 10:12 am

I have watched Sherlock from the beginning. Have loved it all and enjoy the relationship between Sherlock and Watson immensely. This season has really given so much to the characters and their personalities. Love the music as well.

Just started watching on Netflix this weekend and got caught up. I’m a big fan of Elementary, the new US version of Sherlock Holmes but this is definitely one my new favorite shows! I just wish they had more episodes!

219

Denise On Monday, January 27 at 10:38 am

I too, passed on Sherlock a couple of years ago. What a waste of good viewing. I especially enjoy the Behind the Scenes with Steven and Mark. I love the hidden gems from the original stories that sneak into the series (think about Watson’s 2 wounds and how Steven and Mark snuck that in). Great series, hope it lasts for many years.

220

Janet On Monday, January 27 at 10:49 am

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this version of Sherlock. It’s wonderfully made and written.I just finished watching Sherlock try to give the best mans toast at John’s wedding. Just wonderful!!! They work so well together. And, I think Mary is going to add so much to the story line.
Tell everyone you know about it

221

Clorinda On Monday, January 27 at 2:30 pm

I just discovered Downton Abbey and am now on season 3.. I am so hooked. I looked away from your spoilers.

222

Mary P. On Monday, January 27 at 5:47 pm

Just finished watching most recent epi of Sherlock – oohh, who wanted to see Sherlock dance? Much less dance with him?? I almost cried at the end when he left the wedding alone!

223

Rachel B. On Monday, January 27 at 7:32 pm

I’ve just recently become absolutely smitten with this show. I’d been hearing about it since it came out from other geeky friendly fandom peoples who were absolutely raving about it and since I’d loved the recent film incarnation with Robert Downy Jr. I put Sherlock on my to watch list but never got around to it until about a week ago when I caught the Series 3 premier and was hooked. I was already somewhat fond of Martin Freeman from catching him in the Hobbit and Benedict…*shakes her head* that man gives a whole new meaning to enigma. I’m not sure what arrests my attention more with that man, his looks or that deep, resonating voice he has. I’m also adoring the characterization they’ve given Mary, how she’s more like a third Musketeer to their adventures rather than a third wheel. Anyways, I plan on trying to get caught up on the first two Series/Seasons as soon as the third wraps on PBS and hits DVD and can’t wait to see next Sunday’s installment as well as whatever lies ahead for Sherlock.

224

Angie On Monday, January 27 at 10:37 pm

I’m so over the moon that Sherlock is getting its due props in the States! My first exposure to the show was actually when I was in London (Yes! It was awesome to see it there!). I was there on New Years 2012, and while I was getting ready to go out, I caught the first half of A Scandal in Belgravia in ‘prime time’ there. Well, needless to say, you can’t watch a little bit of Irene Adler and Sherlock Holmes without becoming transfixed! So I came home to the good old U.S. of A., only to learn that it would be a full year before I could finish that episode! It was tortuous, but the wait was so worth it! And that is my Sherlock story.

I love, love, love Sherlock! It is definitely one of my favorite shows. Like you, my hubby watched it from the beginning (along with the original old ones) and I just thought, “eh, it’s a mystery.” Anyway, we lived in England at the time (my hubby is in the Air Force) and it just seemed appropriate to at least watch one episode. As I do/did enjoy watching British TV shows. Well, just watching one show and that’s all it took and now I’m hooked! (hey, that rhymed! -Lol) Anyway, I love Sherlock’s wit and charm along with Watson’s expressions of either confusion or impatience. I don’t have a problem with the accent as I’m used to it as my English friends use all kinds of unusual (to me) terms to describe things…it’s quite funny.

226

Rebecca H On Wednesday, January 29 at 11:30 am

I am a huge fan of this show! I watch it with subtitles on, too, but then I watch everything with “the words turned on,” as my kids say. Otherwise I miss a lot.

227

April D. On Thursday, January 30 at 4:42 pm

It’s among my favorite shows, if not the favorite. The characters are wonderfully portraits and it’s so close to the original stories except set in this century. Pretty much delightfully intriguing.

I had to put off reading your post until I had caught up on all the episodes. I just started watching 2 weeks ago, and have been loving every minute of it. This is by far my new favorite show. In a word, it’s BRILLIANT!

229

Lynette in Texas On Friday, January 31 at 10:23 pm

I didn’t start watching Sherlock when it came out so I just rented the first season from the library. I’m looking forward to watching it.

230

Mel On Saturday, February 1 at 11:06 am

My mom watches your show all the time and is always reading your blog. She showed this post to me today because she knows that I am absolutely head over heels for this show (an obsession, really). It’s really cool to see that you would take the time to even mention this in your blog. Not sure if you’ve seen the third season yet, but it’s storyline, in my opinion, is more complex and emotion-provoking than the other two seasons. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

231

Susan On Saturday, February 1 at 4:23 pm

After reading your post, I just watched the first episode on Netflix and I’m hooked! Thanks so much for the heads-up!

232

Beth in Birmingham On Sunday, February 2 at 10:43 pm

I’ve been a fan of Sherlock Holms ever since I watched a Basil Rathbone movie portrayal of the detective. I’d thought that the BBC version with Jeremy Brett was the best version but I’ve fallen in love with this modern production. So clever and so many twists and turns that just keep you engaged and guessing until the end. I just wish that there were more offerings per season….three episodes are Just Not Enough!!

233

Deanna F On Sunday, February 2 at 10:49 pm

What is going on with his eyebrows in this picture!?

234

Janetcc On Monday, February 3 at 1:50 pm

I’m late to the party, just watched season 1 and 2 yesterday. I don’t know the technical terms but the camera work is great. The angles or whatever, the closeups, all the cab rides. I really thought the way it was filmed, the use of light and dark, makes this show.

235

Melinda On Monday, February 3 at 8:25 pm

Benedict Cumberbatch is so dreamy how can you not fall in love with this crazy Sherlock!

236

Janet On Tuesday, February 4 at 1:57 pm

If I could just get my boyfriend to wear one of those hunting caps!!! Bow-Chica Wow-Wow. It would be a hot night on Baker street tonight.
I Love the BBC version… actually I love all the different versions of Sherlock. Maybe not so much the old ones with Basil Rathbone, because they made Watson out to be an idiot. I like the fact that Sherlock and Watson are equals

237

Cynthia Y. On Tuesday, February 4 at 1:59 pm

Sherlock- My favorite show, my favorite show, my favorite show!!!!

I also enjoy Treehouse Masters & Wahlburgers!

238

Marisa W. On Tuesday, February 4 at 2:37 pm

Love, love, LOVE Sherlock! It’s my absolute favorite show, right now.

239

Rachael G On Tuesday, February 4 at 3:20 pm

Love Sherlock and Prime Suspect has been one of my all time favorite British mysteries too! I love Masterpiece Theatre-period!

240

Marlyce Taber On Tuesday, February 4 at 5:04 pm

My husband is a British Sherlock type mysteries junkie also. But, we haven’t heard of this particular series. So, thank you so much for the raving reccomendation. He’s going to be thrilled to hear this.

You are SPOT on with your observations of this new take on Sherlock and Holmes. I was sceptical at first of the remake of a classic and now I am hooked. But just as in many remakes…will they go too far and ruin the draw or the magic or the morality of the original characters? Time will tell. For now, I am hooked on the show like you.

243

Tiffany On Wednesday, February 5 at 11:27 pm

Sherlock. Is. AMAZING. LOVE LOVE LOVE. The Bletchely Circle is also a great BBC production, the first season is on Netflix. British TV wins over US TV hands down.

244

Gretchen On Thursday, February 6 at 9:20 pm

I am SHER locked. Sherlock is a wonderful series! I wait in anxious anticipation for the next series to be made. It is difficult to wait until it starts up again.

245

Lisa B On Saturday, February 8 at 3:19 am

Glad to know I am not the only one that came late to the party. My mother-in-law introduced my to the show last week. I’m been working full time and going to school, so I haven’t seen much of anything on TV for the past 2 years. I was looking on Amazon Prime the other night and found the past episodes. I am hooked now!

246

Kelly On Saturday, February 8 at 1:56 pm

Yes, my boys and I love watching Sherlock. We just started watching the old seasons this fall and it coincided with a local theatre group performing a classic version of “Sherlock”. So it is fun to see the modern twist on the characters in the TV show.

247

Sandy On Saturday, February 8 at 5:10 pm

Am absolutely hooked on Sherlock; watched seasons 1 and 2 all in one week; couldn’t wait for season 3 and it was wonderful! This is my favorite TV show ever. Benedict Cumberbatch is just brilliant as Sherlock, you never know what he is going to do, or how he will solve a mystery. Martin Freeman is the perfect Watson, ranging from admiration of Sherlock to mild irritation to dismay to shock.and disbelief.

Everything about the show is top-notch, the music, the settings, the writing, the characters, the actors. It’s excellent.

Filled the Benedict Cumberbatch void after Series 3 of Sherlock by watching Parade’s End, a one-season 5-episode BBC show. Also watching other Cumberbatch movies: Hawking, The Fifth Estate.

Another really, really wonderful BBC series is the 1970′s The Duchess of Duke Street. I dearly love that show, it has 3 seasons. Stars Gemma Jones and Christopher Cazenove. Great love story between the “Duchess,” Louisa, and Lord Haselmere, Charlie. A lot like Downton Abbey in that Louisa is a kitchen maid who becomes the best chef in England. But it is much more gritty and raw than Downton Abbey, more realistic, really. She falls in love with Lord Haselmere. Set in Victorian times and goes up past World War I. Best love story in TV ever. This is quite an old TV show, 40+ years old now, but hasn’t aged, it’s so well-done. Sadly Christopher Cazenove died several years ago. But Gemma Jones acted in the Harry Potter movies.

248

KayJay On Sunday, February 9 at 9:01 pm

Eeeeep! Ahh I fangirled when I saw his face at the beginning of this post… This has been one of my most favorite shows in a long time (and I’m only in high school – I’m not a big TV-watcher). I love everything in about this show from the storyline to the pretty faces (yes, I am referring to Bennyboo Cuddlebunches). It’s too bad we Americans have to wait until 2016 for Series 4 to air on PBS…. but we’re all happy, and we can wait a bit longer

249

Michelle On Wednesday, February 12 at 4:09 pm

I recently discovered Sherlock and I’m hooked! I think Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant – listening to him deliver those lines is amazing. I might have to try the subtitles thing so I don’t miss a word. The supporting actors are perfectly cast and I LOVE the humor, the writing, the acting – everything. Big fan of the show!

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251

Mary fm Leighton Buzzard UK On Friday, March 28 at 6:29 pm

If you love Benedict Cumberbatch then seek out Parades End, another BBC TV show, just brilliant.